Start Planning For Gingerbread House Contest

The annual gingerbread contest at New Mexico Tech always brings out some elaborate entries.

All entries must be delivered to Fidel Center between 1 and 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13. Judging in two age groups will be Wednesday, Dec. 15. The contest is open to anyone.

Entries will be judged on originality, overall appearance, choice and use of materials and difficulty of design. Contestants are not limited to building a house; any type of structure – real or imaginary – is eligible.

All major components (walls and roofs) must be constructed of gingerbread. However, contestants under 12 years old may use graham crackers, cookies or other edible “building materials.”

All parts must be edible. For example, wrapped candies must be unwrapped and lollipops must have edible stems. The only exception is that contestants may add Christmas lighting.

Gingerbread creations may not be taller than 26 inches and must be attached to a plywood base no larger than 18"x24". Plus, the base surface (but not the sides) must be concealed with an edible product.

Judging will take place Wednesday, Dec. 15. Prizes will be awarded in these age groups: 12 and Under and 13 and Over. Youth entrants must have done all their own construction.

The entries will be on display at Fidel Center from December 13 to 18. Entries must be picked up on December 18 by 3 p.m. Any entry not picked up will be donated for distribution by The StoreHouse to area families.